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Welcome to Wikipedia,the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.2,350,042 articles in EnglishArtsBiographyGeographyHistoryMathematicsScienceSocietyTechnologyAll portalsOverview · Editing · Questions · HelpContents · Categories · Featured content · A–Z indexToday’s featured articleThe Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. Originally founded in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers. Since the end of the 13th century, it has been the stronghold and home of the Grimaldi family who first captured it in 1297. The Grimaldis’ power was often derived from fragile agreements with their larger and stronger neighbours. Thus while the sovereigns of Europe were building luxurious, modern Renaissance and Baroque palaces, politics and common sense demanded that the palace of the Monaco rulers be fortified. The Grimaldis’ occupation of their palace is also unusual because, unlike other European ruling families, the absence of alternative palaces and land shortages have resulted in their use of the same residence for more than seven centuries. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace and its owners became symbols of the slightly risqué glamour and decadence that was associated with Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. Glamour and theatricality became reality when the American film star Grace Kelly became chatelaine to the palace in 1956. In the 21st century, the palace remains the residence of the current Prince of Monaco. (more…)Recently featured: Peter Jennings – Manzanar – Ocean sunfishArchive – By email – More featured articles…Did you know…From Wikipedia’s newest articles:…that the Philadelphia Lazaretto (pictured) is the oldest surviving quarantine hospital in the United States?…that Ukrainian poet Yevhen Hrebinka helped purchase fellow poet Taras Shevchenko’s freedom from serfdom in 1838?…that John Caldwell was originally given the name at birth of George Washington Caldwell because he was born on the Fourth of July?…that the 1938 western Rawhide was baseball great Lou Gehrig’s only feature film appearance?…that the European Union is an example of a security community, in which war has become unthinkable?…that the cost of building the base of the Great Mill, Sheerness was so great that the mill was left unfinished for over two years before being completed?…that Australian cabaret singer, stage actor, dancer and comedienne Toni Lamond was nicknamed “Lolly-Legs Lamond” after being voted as having the second-best pair of legs in television while doing In Melbourne Tonight?…that Sid Gillman is the only head coach in the San Diego Chargers to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?Archive – Start a new article…In the newsMaoists win a plurality of seats in the Nepalese Constituent Assembly election, the first election in Nepal in nine years.Researchers discover what is believed to be the first use of oil painting at Bamyan in Afghanistan, predating European oil painting by some six centuries.Fernando Lugo (pictured) wins the presidential election in Paraguay, ending the Colorado Party’s 61-year rule.In auto racing, Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300, becoming the first female driver to win an IndyCar race.An airliner operated by Hewa Bora Airways crashes upon takeoff in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing at least 47 people.An alliance led by Silvio Berlusconi of the People of Freedom party wins the general election in Italy.Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events…On this day…April 28: Easter Monday (Eastern Christianity, 2008); Festival of Matsu in Southeast Asia (2008); International Workers’ Memorial Day1192 – Third Crusade: Conrad of Montferrat, the elected King of Jerusalem, was fatally stabbed by members of the Hashshashin.1611 – The University of Santo Tomas in Manila, one of the oldest existing universities in Asia and one of the world’s largest Catholic universities in terms of population, was founded.1789 – Fletcher Christian led a mutiny aboard the Royal Navy ship HMAV Bounty against its commander William Bligh (pictured).1923 – London’s Wembley Stadium, then known as Empire Stadium, was opened to the public for the first time and held the 1923 FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United football clubs.1952 – The Treaty of San Francisco entered into force, ending the occupation of Japan by the former Allied Powers of World War II.More events: April 27 – April 28 – April 29Archive – By email – More anniversaries…Today’s featured pictureA group of female Northern Elephant Seals (Mirounga angustirostris) moulting on a beach near San Simeon, California. In the summer, elephant seals undergo a “catastrophic moult,” lasting about one month, during which they lose much of their fur and skin. They spend this time on beaches to preserve body heat, while they wait for the new fur to grow.Photo credit: Helen FilatovaRecently featured: Flatirons – Frankfurt – Horehound bugArchive – More featured pictures…